For an old alum taking his son for a campus visit, what are some of the “must-go” dining places for lunch and dinner?
I used to say Zingerman’s for lunch, but I think it has lost some of its charm with the recent remodeling. The food is the same, but there is a certain sterile cattle call feeling to it now.
Hopcat - be sure to have the “crack fries”!
https://hopcat.com/ann-arbor
intparent, even before the remodeling, Zingerman’s wasn’t exactly sweet on the eyes! 
Well, I never went there for the ambience but for great deli food.
GoBlue81, it depends on your budget and on the kind of meal you seek. Zingerman’s is definitely Ann Arbor’s most “special” dining option. But if you like steaks and do not mind paying ~$100/person, the Chop House is good. If you want a simple diner with a college feel, Good Time Charley’s will do nicely. If you like a brewery-style restaurant, the Grizzly Peak is solid, as is the Arbor Brewing Company Pub. Gratzi serves up decent Italian food. The Earle is alo quite nice if you are looking for something a little more formal. Although I have not been to it, I hear Spencer is a pretty popular option these days.
Zingerman’s lines tend to be too long during lunch (especially) and dinner, so I would avoid unless you have lots of time.
Cheap, fast and really good, near central campus: Jerusalem garden* (middle eastern) on Liberty , Neo Papalis* (wood fired pizza) on William,
Cheap, fast, off campus: Chellas*# (Mexican, near Liberty & S Maple)
Mid Priced: Sava (state street), Totoro* (Japanese, state street), Tomukun (Korean, liberty st) , Knights (American, liberty st, you might see Harbaugh there) , Mani Osteria (liberty st)
Cardamom*# (Indian, North Campus on Plymouth), Zingerman’s# roadhouse (American, Jackson & Maple Rd, near I-94)
Nostalgia: Pretzel Bell (liberty), Brown Jug (S University), Pizza House (Church), Old Town Tavern (burritos, Liberty & Ashley)
Finer Dining : Pacific Rim* (Asian Fusion, dinner only, liberty near main), Grazi (main, Italian), Chop House (main)
*personal favorites
not in walking distance from Central Campus
Sava’s is fantastic for brunch (I heard their dinner is great too, but never tried it) and Piada is great for lunch.
We had an excellent meal at Isalita’s on Liberty. It is Mexican food.
Jolly Pumpkin…a few blocks from the diag on central…easy walk, plus you get to see campus.
I just got back from moving in my son for sophomore year – my husband and I are both alums, so always hit Blimpys for Burgers and (What used to be Steve’s Lunch) CM for Bi Bim Bop on South U. Afternoon Delight is still good for breakfast, but went to Zola (a bit of a drive), and it’s great. I also recommend calling in your Zingerman’s order about 1 hour before you plan on going. They have a phone order pick up area, and they have drinks and sides, and encourage you to grab a table and stay. We did dinner at Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Food was good, service was amazing, and reservations are recommended!